The Best Cinnamon Rolls ✨

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Experience the warm, gooey perfection of homemade cinnamon rolls that are sure to become a family favorite. Fluffy, sweet, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, this recipe makes for the perfect breakfast treat or brunch delight. Easy to follow and packed with flavor, these cinnamon rolls are a festive staple for any occasion.

Eden Clarke

Created by

Eden Clarke

Last updated on 2025-12-02T13:46:09.226Z

These cinnamon rolls are a labor of love that brings joy to family gatherings.

The Perfect Morning Treat

Cinnamon rolls are one of the most cherished homemade breakfast treats, known for their inviting aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture. With each fluffy layer infused with a rich filling, these rolls take your morning routine to a whole new level. Perfectly suited for cozy family breakfasts or festive brunch gatherings, they promise to delight both young and old alike.

The combination of warm dough and cinnamon sugar creates a sensory experience that captivates every time you prepare them. Whether enjoyed with a cozy cup of coffee or as a delightful dessert, these cinnamon rolls are more than just a treat; they’re a heartwarming ritual that brings people together.

Easy to Make and Customize

One of the best aspects of making cinnamon rolls at home is the simplicity of the recipe. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create something truly special. This recipe breaks down the process into easy steps, ensuring that bakers of all skill levels can achieve bakery-quality results in their own kitchens.

Additionally, this recipe allows you to unleash your creativity. Feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as nutty pecans, tangy apples, or even creamy chocolate. You can also elevate the frosting with flavors like orange zest or maple syrup, making each batch uniquely yours.

Tips for the Best Results

To ensure your cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly, pay close attention to the dough. The warmth of the milk is crucial for activating the yeast, making it rise effectively. Make sure it's lukewarm and not too hot, as high temperatures can kill the yeast. Allow the dough enough time to rise, as this contributes to the fluffy texture you desire.

When shaping the rolls, take care to roll them tightly for uniform cooking and that perfect swirl. Also, while baking, keep an eye on your rolls to achieve a golden-brown finish. Timing can vary slightly based on your oven, so don’t hesitate to adjust based on your observations.

Ingredients

Ingredients:

Dough

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup milk, warm
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 packet instant yeast
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Filling

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened

Frosting

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix well and ensure all ingredients are at room temperature.

Instructions

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add melted butter, egg, and salt, then mix in flour until a dough forms.

Knead and Rise

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Make the Filling

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread softened butter, then sprinkle the filling over it.

Shape the Rolls

Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 12 pieces. Place them in a greased baking dish and cover to rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Prepare the Frosting

While the rolls are baking, mix cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

Frost and Serve

Once the rolls are done baking, remove from the oven and top with the cream cheese frosting while still warm.

Enjoy your homemade cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Once your cinnamon rolls have cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, consider freezing them. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag to avoid freezer burn. They can last up to three months in the freezer.

To reheat, simply place them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them up in the oven at a low temperature until they are heated through. This way, you can enjoy the delightful gooeyness any day of the week, even if you made them in advance!

Pairing Suggestions

Enhancing your cinnamon rolls with complementary flavors can elevate your experience. Consider serving them alongside a rich cup of coffee or a soothing herbal tea. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can also make for an extraordinary dessert pairing, especially if you’re serving these rolls during a special occasion.

For a more festive twist, try adding fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas on the side. These additions not only provide a burst of freshness but also balance the sweetness of the rolls, creating a delightful contrast that keeps everyone coming back for more!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls and refrigerate them overnight before baking.

→ What should I do if my dough doesn't rise?

Make sure your yeast is active. If the milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast.

The Best Cinnamon Rolls ✨

Experience the warm, gooey perfection of homemade cinnamon rolls that are sure to become a family favorite. Fluffy, sweet, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, this recipe makes for the perfect breakfast treat or brunch delight. Easy to follow and packed with flavor, these cinnamon rolls are a festive staple for any occasion.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Eden Clarke

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 12 rolls

What You'll Need

Dough

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1/2 cup milk, warm
  3. 1/4 cup sugar
  4. 1 packet instant yeast
  5. 1/4 cup butter, melted
  6. 1 egg
  7. 1/2 teaspoon salt

Filling

  1. 1/2 cup brown sugar
  2. 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  3. 1/4 cup butter, softened

Frosting

  1. 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  2. 1/4 cup butter, softened
  3. 1 cup powdered sugar
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add melted butter, egg, and salt, then mix in flour until a dough forms.

Step 02

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 03

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread softened butter, then sprinkle the filling over it.

Step 04

Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 12 pieces. Place them in a greased baking dish and cover to rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 05

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 06

While the rolls are baking, mix cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 07

Once the rolls are done baking, remove from the oven and top with the cream cheese frosting while still warm.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 12g
  • Protein: 3g